{"id":1125,"date":"2020-04-06T12:36:47","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T16:36:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/?p=1125"},"modified":"2020-04-06T12:36:11","modified_gmt":"2020-04-06T16:36:11","slug":"author-study-meet-seymour-simon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/author-study-meet-seymour-simon\/","title":{"rendered":"Author Study: Meet Seymour Simon"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:62.125%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.958622772576%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Author Study: Meet Seymour Simon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"497\" data-pin-description=\"Add this author study on Seymour Simon to your collection of writing workshop mentor author resources.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon.jpg\" alt=\"Seymour Simon Author Study\" class=\"wp-image-4812\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon-768x477.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon-735x457.jpg 735w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"497\" data-pin-description=\"Add this author study on Seymour Simon to your collection of writing workshop mentor author resources.\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20800%20497'%3E%3Crect%20width='800'%20height='497'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Seymour Simon Author Study\" class=\"wp-image-4812 eager-load\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon-300x186.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon-768x477.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seymour-simon-735x457.jpg.webp 735w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">This is another free resource for teachers from The Curriculum Corner.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size has-very-light-gray-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color\">Add this author study on Seymour Simon to your collection of writing workshop mentor author resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of our very favorite authors for older students is Seymour Simon. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His photographs and words grab the attention of children and make them want to learn more about a subject. &nbsp;We believe that he is an author that makes for a great author study. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His works as mentor texts help children find new ways to write nonfiction and help them love the reading of informational text. &nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may choose to use all of the resources we have created for your study or pick the ones that fit your classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Our Seymour Simon Author Study includes the following resources:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biography <\/strong>&nbsp;Written to help students learn about the life of Seymour Simon, students will discover interesting facts about Simon becoming the author he is today. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Character Traits <\/strong>You might choose to focus on the character traits of Seymour Simon with this graphic organizer. Want to focus more on character traits: try our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/character-traits-resources\/\">Character Traits Collection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/DSC_0210.jpg\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/DSC_0210-1024x685.jpg\" alt=\"Seymour Simon as  a Mentor Author in the classroom | anchor chart, lesson ideas and more all FREE from The Curriculum Corner\" class=\"wp-image-1158\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/DSC_0210-1024x685.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Seymour Simon as  a Mentor Author in the classroom | anchor chart, lesson ideas and more all FREE from The Curriculum Corner\" class=\"wp-image-1158 lazyload\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/DSC_0210.jpg\" width=\"3311\" height=\"2217\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" loading=\"lazy\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\"><strong>Noticings<\/strong> <span style=\"color: #111111;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #111111;\">If you have never begun a writing unit of study with noticings, we highly recommend it. &nbsp;The idea is that children are given &nbsp;a stack of books that fit the theme. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #111111;\">In this case, you would supply students with a range of books by Seymour Simon. &nbsp;Students go through the books to see what they &ldquo;notice&rdquo; about Simon&rsquo;s writing style. &nbsp;You might choose to use our recording sheet:.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #111111;\">Or, students can simply use post-it notes to mark spots in the book that stand out. &nbsp;It is important to encourage children to focus on the style and not the words. &nbsp;It can be very difficult for children to begin to look deeper in to the writing and not report facts. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #111111;\">This skill takes a great deal of practice so be patient when you first introduce the idea. &nbsp;If it is your first time asking your students to do noticings, you might share a book aloud and work through the ideas together and then allow students to explore further in small groups. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #111111;\">Our sample anchor chart&nbsp;is ready to print and can be used as a resource in your room. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #111111;\">However, we find that it is important to ask children to notice without giving them the answers. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #111111;\">You might choose to use this as your guide and create an anchor chart using your students&rsquo; ideas. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #111111;\">If children need prompting to begin, encourage them to think about: &nbsp;<\/span><em>What&nbsp;does SS do to engage the reader? &nbsp;Photographs (angles, perspectives, close ups); Writing style? Doesn&rsquo;t have typical nonfiction text features (Table of Contents, Chapter titles, Glossaries, Bibliographies, etc). &nbsp;He says that he writes &ldquo;stories&rdquo; for children that happen to be nonfiction. He doesn&rsquo;t write textbooks or encyclopedias&hellip;he tells stories. It is a choice in his writing style.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-description=\"Add this author study on Seymour Simon to your collection of writing workshop mentor author resources. Free from The Curriculum Corner.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Seymour Simon\" class=\"wp-image-4815\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-735x1103.jpg 735w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-description=\"Add this author study on Seymour Simon to your collection of writing workshop mentor author resources. Free from The Curriculum Corner.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-683x1024.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Seymour Simon\" class=\"wp-image-4815 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-683x1024.jpg.webp 683w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-200x300.jpg.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-768x1152.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-400x600.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest-735x1103.jpg.webp 735w, https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest.jpg.webp 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-pinterest.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Working with Word Choice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Word Map<\/strong> Seymour Simon books are full of new words for readers. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a great opportunity to help children explore vocabulary! &nbsp;To introduce, we suggest completing two or three word maps as a class. &nbsp;Each word map guides students through multiple steps that will help them develop an understanding of the word. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once students understand the task, students can choose a word and make their own dictionary or teacher can choose words for students to work on at a center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wondrous Words<\/strong> Seymour Simon weaves beautiful language into his nonfiction writing. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Encourage your students to find the unique and descriptive words he uses. &nbsp;Ask them to record the words they encounter in this Wondrous Words booklet. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might create it as a simple book with lines are use the categories we provided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either way, the idea is to help your students develop a resource for their writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Reading &amp; Understanding Informational Text<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Encyclopedia&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<span style=\"color: #111111;\">&nbsp;Seymour Simon writes about a variety of high interest&nbsp;topics. &nbsp;You can have students create their own encyclopedia with what they learn as they explore his books. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #111111;\">This can even be done during a literacy center. &nbsp;Print the cover and students can add as many encyclopedia pages as they need. &nbsp;&nbsp;The box on the top left is for the letter the topic starts with and to the right, have students record the topic. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #111111;\">When students have completed their pages, they can alphabetize and staple. &nbsp;This could be used as a resource for facts when students are writing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Main Ideas &amp; Details <\/strong> Work on finding the main idea and details within paragraphs. &nbsp;This organizer has a cloud in the middle for the main idea and four boxes surrounding for students to record the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fluency Focus<\/strong>&nbsp; Fluency is a skill that even strong readers need help with. &nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using this paper, students identify their book and passage for fluency practice. &nbsp;Then follow the steps for getting ready to read a passage aloud. &nbsp; At the bottom students read aloud to another and circle great, ok or needs more practice. &nbsp;It is important to note that the idea behind fluency practice is not for students to be put on the spot and asked to read aloud without practicing. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fluency practice is meant to be rehearsed. &nbsp;Students should have exposure to the text and many opportunities to practice. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are striving to make their reading smoother when reading aloud and the goal&nbsp;is that this will transfer to their independent reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Becoming an Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After studying the writing of Seymour Simon, the goal is for students to use what they have learned to practice writing like an author. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a class, we suggest brainstorming topics that students can research and learn more about. &nbsp;You might choose to create a class book or students might write individual books. &nbsp;These resources will help you get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Finding a Topic<\/strong> Have students brainstorm ideas for their topic. &nbsp;You might begin by creating a class web with all of the ideas your students can think of. &nbsp;Then, students can narrow down their topic to their top four choices. &nbsp;Remember, students who have choice in their topic are going to be more motivated to write! &nbsp;We do not suggest choosing topics for your students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Planning<\/strong> &nbsp;This book will require research which can be done by students reading books and completing internet searches. &nbsp;They will need to complete graphic organizers as they collect their research. Check out some of our other resources below to help with this portion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size has-very-light-gray-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color\">You can download our Seymour Simon collection here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/pdf\/writing\/seymour%20simon.pdf\">Author Study<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size has-very-light-gray-color has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color\">Try these resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/graphic-organizer-for-multi-paragraph-research-papers\/\">Research Graphic Organizers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/writing-research-papers\/\">Writing a Research Paper<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner123\/blank-books-papers-for-writing-workshop\/\">Blank Books<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/close-reading-collection\/\">Close Reading Collection<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to look at <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"www.seymoursimon.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.seymoursimon.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">www.seymoursimon.com<\/a>. This web site has resources for teachers and children! It&rsquo;s a great place to encourage your children to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add some of your favorites to your collection (contains affiliate links):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\namzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\";\namzn_assoc_search_bar = \"true\";\namzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"thecurrcorn-20\";\namzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"manual\";\namzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\";\namzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\";\namzn_assoc_region = \"US\";\namzn_assoc_title = \"Seymour Simon\";\namzn_assoc_linkid = \"31e3fa0c216c02499924de9de61bc72f\";\namzn_assoc_asins = \"0061626570,0061140104,0060877154,0064437914,1587171554,0064438295,0060884398,0060891017\";\n<\/script>\n<script src=\"\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Photography Tips<\/strong> &nbsp; An important aspect of Seymour Simon books is the photography. &nbsp;Instead of having students illustrate the books they create, allow them to use real photographs this time. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They can find photos online but how great would it be for students to take their own photos for this project? &nbsp;We have found a couple of websites with some photography tips for your students:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color: #000000;\">DIY Photography: &nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.diyphotography.net\/teach-kids-photography\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to Teach Your Kids Photography<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color: #000000;\">The Crafty Crow: &nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thecraftycrow.net\/2014\/07\/beginning-photography-for-children-projects-tips-ideas.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beginning Photography for Children<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Add this author study on Seymour Simon to your collection of writing workshop mentor author resources. Free from The Curriculum Corner.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4813,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,48,38],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[616,3738,3736,831,320,1752,3326,859,2672,197,3746,3322,3319,3324,3321,3744,3739,3743,89,3325],"class_list":["post-1125","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-informational-text","category-science"],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":4813,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/seymour-simon-feature-300x300.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1125","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1125"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1125\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4816,"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1125\/revisions\/4816"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1125"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1125"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1125"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thecurriculumcorner.com\/thecurriculumcorner456\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=1125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}